Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County

By Melissa Karen Sances

COMMUNITY CORNER SPONSORED BY GREENFIELD SAVINGS BANK

Half a Century of Helping Kids

For Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County (BBBSHC), every year is about love – but 2025 is particularly special. For the past 50 years, the nonprofit that pairs adult volunteers with kids ages 6 to 18, affectionately known as “Bigs” and “Littles,” has created mentorships that both ground children and give them wings.

As a part of the Center for Human Development and an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, BBBSHC seeks to improve children’s self-confidence and instill hope for the future. Its mentors, adults of all ages including UMass-Amherst students, empower youth and have fun in the process.

Ann Walsh, Development & Partnerships Manager for BBBSHC, is inspired by every success story. “You really see the nature of humanity," she says.

Big Love

On Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m., BBBSHC will host its annual karaoke fundraiser, “Big Love, Little Performances” at the Iron Horse. Walsh says that the singers – and occasional lip synchers – come in costume, coif their hair, and generally immerse themselves in their “characters” and the eras they represent.

Past acts include former Northampton Selectman Bill Dwight’s spirited rendition of the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ U.S.A., which topped charts in 1962, and Easthampton Selectman Owen Zaret’s interpretation of “Brandy (You're a Fine Girl),” the 1972 hit by Looking Glass, which, naturally, required him to don a polyester suit. There are 12 coveted spots, and anyone interested in signing up can reach out to Walsh at awalsh@chd.org. Purchase tickets at getmeregistered.com/4BLLP2025.

Besides supporting the nonprofit, says BBBSHC Director Susan Nicastro, the event makes a great date night or “Galentine’s Day” outing. The love-fest will be emceed once again by Monte Belmonte of New England Public Media and Tara Brewster, vice president of business development and philanthropy at Greenfield Savings Bank. Kelsey Flynn of Happier Valley Comedy keeps the mood light. And a Valentine-making station and photo booth, as well as decadent chocolate and copious flowers, create a festive ambiance.

“We definitely feel the love,”

Susan Nicastro

Flower Power

This year marks the organization’s 15th annual Daffodil Run, a timed and certified 5K and 10K on the Amherst Common on Sunday, April 27. The UMass Minutemen Marching Band enthusiastically begins the race at 10 a.m. and breakfast and lunch is served to all supporters, runners, walkers and strollers. The course features life-sized storyboards that celebrate meaningful matches between Bigs and Littles.

When the race is over, the winners stand on Olympic-style podiums and are recognized with special pins. To sign up, click here.

And three days before the Daffodil Run, participants can pick up their bibs and celebrate the 50th anniversary of BBBSHC at Mill District General Store & Local Art Gallery.

Mentors Wanted

While there will be other anniversary celebrations throughout the year, NiCastro notes that what has sustained BBBSHC for half a century is its volunteers. Mentors meet with youth two to four times per month for one year, and are supported by a case worker. Matches are made thoughtfully, based on similar life experiences and common interests. Ultimately Bigs give Littles the gift of time – time to build a friendship, and time for children to grow into their potential.

To learn more about BBBSHC, visit their website by clicking here and their facebook page here.